SIR: Gone are the days when libraries were Mecca to both young and old who craved and longed for knowledge. Today, many contents on social media that do not conform with generally accepted standards of behavior have overtaken and overshadowed the libraries that were known, decades ago, as sanctuary of knowledge where information and enlightenment flowed like water.
Without a doubt, social media isn’t bad. There are many who, through social networking, have acquired legal means of livelihood; have promoted legit businesses; have discovered new ideas, and so on. Had there be no unnecessary distractions, social media would have been one of the most reliable places to seek and acquire knowledge.
Among the distractions that are difficult to resist by rmany on social media are pranks. Pranks, to many, have become reliefs that calm the feelings of nervousness of large percentage of Nigerians.
Recently, one of the Nigerian pranksters, Abdullahi Adisa, popularly known as Trinity Guy, was arrested by the Nigeria Police, over an allegation of sexualizing a minor – an underage girl – on his viral skit video. The innocent girl, with the consent of her parents, was allegedly forced to undergo an unwelcome experience and a sexual harassment.
What could have prompted parents to allow their female child to be sexually abused by a stranger in the name of prank? How much were the parents of the little girl paid to have their child molested and have her subjected to emotional trauma she could live with for the rest of her life? Can we conclude that poverty was on display here?
Immediately the prankster was arrested, many have been pleading on his behalf and have been appealing to the judiciary to temper justice with mercy. Isn’t this disgusting?
It’s only in Nigeria that we want the rich or the famous to go scot free, but always want the poor or the underprivileged to get punished for even minor offences. Which decent society does this? Throughout the trial of R Kelly, a famous R&B maestro; no American pleaded on his behalf. America did not spare him for engaging in sexual harassments. He got a deserved punishment. So, why Nigeria should be different?
It is indecent to push dirty and perilous pranks or any other offensive contents online without firstly being subjected to scrutiny. Polluting the internet with extremely unpleasant contents is not only inappropriate but is also filthy and obscene.
I’ll only urge the judiciary to do the needful by dispensing justice in this case. We should all allow justice to roll down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.
• Ademola ‘Bablow’ Babalola babalolaademola39@gmail.com